"After all, we cannot know what we are going to express. What is really creative is bound to be a surprisebecause it is something we couldn't have thought of. This is the thing that we resist the most. We want toknow where we are going, why we are doing it, and what it is going to give to us. We want to know it all.To be creative means becoming more familiar with being a little lost. If we are always full of what wewant to do, there is no room for the new."- Michell Cassou

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

This spring, the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts will continue its fifth year of offering free work shops for professional New Hampshire artists who are seeking to enhance their business skills, promote their work, and network with other artists.

The following workshop is free and open to the public, but you must register by calling (603) 271-2789 or email elaine.loft@dcr.nh.gov. In lieu of a registration fee, registrants are asked to contribute canned foods or pasta for the local food bank. These sessions will be held at the Brown Building Auditorium at 129 Pleasant Street in Concord, New Hampshire.

Approaching Galleries: 10am – 12 noon
Presenter Sarah Chaffee, Gallery Director, McGowan Fine Art
In this workshop learn how to prepare a high quality artist’s package, including a biography, artist statement, articles, retail price list and digital images. Ms. Chaffee will also address how to research and approach galleries, the ins and outs of contracts, and how to promote yourself to the press.

Pricing Your Work: Art or Science?: 3 – 5 pm
Presenter Gary Chabot, ProfitPoint Business and Finance Counseling
In this workshop attendees will explore the facts, fiction and mysteries of pricing works of art. Is it all about the numbers? Is it all guess work? How do your perceptions of value differ with other buyers and sellers of art? Learn how “price point” passion and real world economics mix it up in the world of art and business.

I am attending this! I called this morning and there was still room! If you are planning to go, let me know! We can meet for lunch! : )

Saturday, May 7, 2011

So, what's happening with my book you ask? Well, it's happening, but not very fast. I have a lot of work done but I need to make more samples, document them and write the directions out in an easy comprehensive way.

So, I continue working on it. It will get done when it gets done.

“Writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those, who do not write, compose, or paint can manage to escape the madness, the melancholia, the panic fear, which is inherent in a human condition” ~ Graham Greene

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Working in the studio, I am starting to use the camera to capture my work. It's a good exercise to document things. I need to break into the habit, and I see already how it helps.

I am playing with multiple projects at one time. My friend, Marci Howarth gave me a large coffee table book on Georgia O'keeffe's flowers, which I adore. So I was inspired to try a small version of one of them in fabric.

I have also been looking at the use of reverse applique in my work. I show two examples of reverse applique here, as a starting point in my abstract work. This will be one of the chapters in my book, "Art Quilts: Methods to the Madness".

Today is May Day. It is gorgeous out. I am torn between my gardens and working in the studio. So, I hope to find balance and do a little of both. The sunshine and fresh air will do me good... creativity inside and out!

Last night I enjoyed a night of drumming with friends. That was so amazingly good for the soul. I hope to incorporate that more into my life as well. Have a great day today!